Portable elevating platform

ABSTRACT

An elevating scaffold includes a support platform elevated by means of a hydraulically powered pantograph mechanism, with controls for raising and lowering the platform being mounted on the platform. For elevating building panels to a wall or ceiling, such as 4 X 8 foot panels of plasterboard or decorative panels, and also for nailing such panels to wall studs or ceiling beams, a panel support platform is elevated by means of a hydraulically controlled pantograph mechanism and a hydraulically operated and controlled tilt mechanism moves the support platform between a horizontal position and a vertical position. Appropriate hydraulic controls are provided for positioning the support platform at any desired angle of inclination. Associated with the support platform are hammer units for nailing the panels to wall studs or ceiling beams, with the hammer units being positionable to accommodate different spacing between such studs and beams. Suitable controls are provided for remotely operating the hammer units to nail the panels to the studs or beams.

United States Patent [191 Millican [54] PORTABLE ELEVATING PLATFORM.

[76] Inventor: W. Ray Millican, Tower Trailer Pk.,

1311 E. Main St., Grand Prairie, Tex. 75050 [22] Filed: Mar. 19, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 342,608

[52] U.S. Cl 227/40, 227/100, 227/130, 227/136, 227/154 [51] Int. Cl B27f 7/02 [58] Field of Search 214/1 SW; 182/141; 227/7,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,818,567 l/1958 Oliver 227/40 2,828,870 4/1958 Corley 182/141 X 2,945,551 7/1960 Annin et al. 182/141 3,310,215 3/1967 Bostick 227/111 3,543,987 12/1970 Obergfell 227/136 I 3,701,226 10/1972 Fulcher 182/141 X Oct. 29, 1974 [5 7] ABSTRACT An elevating scaffold includes a support platform elevated by means of a hydraulically powered pantograph mechanism, with controls for raising and lowering the platform being mounted on the platform.

For elevating building panels to a wall or ceiling, such as 4 X 8 foot panels of plasterboard or decorative 'panels, and also for nailing such panels to wall studs or ceiling beams, a panel support platform is elevated by means of a hydraulically controlled pantograph mechanism and a hydraulically operated and controlled tilt mechanism moves the support platform between a horizontal position and a vertical position. Appropriate hydraulic controls are provided for positioning the support platform at any desired angle of inclination. Associated with the support platform are hammer units for nailing the panels to wall studs or ceiling beams, with the hammer units being positionable to accommodate: different spacing between such studs and beams. Suitable controls are provided for remotely operating the hammer units to nail the panels to the studs or beams.

14 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PAIENTEBum' 29 5974 SHEEI 10F 6 H Q mm PATENYEU UN 2 9 I87 SHEET l- OF 6 PATENTEBnm 29 ISM SNEEF 6 BF 6 PORTABLE ELEVATING PLATFORM BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a portable elevating apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for elevating building panels to desired positions on a wall or ceiling for the purpose of nailing, and also to an apparatus for nailing the panel in the elevated position operated by remote control.

While devices or machines are known for elevating building panels to desired positions on a wall or ceiling, such devices as are known to applicant are cumbersome, are awkward and time consuming to operate, and fail to provide full support for the panel in the nail ing position.

Similarly there are types of portable elevating scaffolds available for use by workers in construction which again are cumbersome, require considerable set up time, and are not readily adjustable.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus including an elevating platform for lifting panels or other articles, or for use asa scaffold, which is convenient to assemble and use and which is efficient in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide such apparatus for elevating panels including a tilting panel support platform positionable in a horizontal, vertical or any intermediate inclined plane to hold the panel against supporting studs or beams.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for raising and supporting building panels against studs or beams, and including hammer devices remotely operated for automatically nailing the panels to studs or beams.

Another object of this invention is to provide such apparatus which is of simple, rugged construction and which is reliable in operation.

These objects are accomplished in apparatus including a base for supporting the apparatus on a generally horizontal supporting surface, and a pantograph mechanism mounted on the base extendible upward from the base. A hydraulic power cylinder connected between the base and pantograph mechanism effects the upward extension of the pantograph mechanism and the elevating platform supported on the pantograph mechanism is maintained in parallel relation with the base. Power means for the hydraulic cylinder mounted on the base includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, a powered fluid pump communicating with the reservoir and power cylinder for pumping fluid under pressure to the cylinder, and a conduit and valve means communicating the cylinder and reservoir for returning fluid from the cylinder. Control means are provided for actuating the pump to extend the cylinder and pantograph mechanism, and for actuating the valve for retracting the cylinder and pantograph mechanism.

More specifically the apparatus of the invention includes a hydraulically powered tilting platform, and remote control means for selecting the tilt plant of the support platform.

Also more particularly, a support platform carried on said elevated platform includes adjustable positionable nailing devices operated remotely by suitable controls for nailing the panels to wall or ceiling surfaces.

The novel features and the advantages of the invention, as well as additional objects thereof, will be understood more fully from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of panel installing apparatus according to the invention, partially elevated and in condition for installing a panel on a horizontal ceiling;

FIG. 2 is a detail view taken in the plane 2-2 of FIG. ll, particularly illustrating the elevating mechanism for the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a 4 X 8 feet panel overlying the apparatus of the invention with nails spaced at 16" centers in two dimensions;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view from the top of the apparatus of FIG. ll, particularly illustrating the elements of the hammer frame and the hammer frame mount which supports the hammer frame;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the top of a hammer assembly, with one cover removed to show the nail magazine and feed;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in the plane 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a hammer taken in the plane 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7a is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken in the plane 7a7a of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a view of the control panel and the several controls for the apparatus,'located at its rear end;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the hammer frame mount and hammer frame, with the hammer frame tilted toward the front of the apparatus for installing a panel on a vertical wall; and

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an elevating scaffold apparatus according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, a preferred form of apparatus is best illustrated in FIG. 1, and includes a base frame 10 supported on caster type wheels, a pantograph linkage 11 which is extendible vertically relative to the base frame, an elevator platform or a hammer frame mount 12 supported at the top of the pantograph mechanism, and a hammer frame 13 supported on the hammer frame mount in a manner to be tilted between a horizontal position illustrated in FIG. 1 and a vertical position illustrated in FIG. 9. A plurality of hammer assemblies are carried on the hammer frame; and fourteen such assemblies are referred to, being identified as seven rear hammer assemblies 14a through 14g and seven front hammer assemblies 15a through 15g. Each hammer assembly carries two hammer units 16 as will be described.

Also mounted on the frame base 10, at the rear of the apparatus, are a foot valve assembly 17 for controlling the apparatus and an upright control panel frame 18 carrying other controls for the apparatus as well as a guiding handle.

As will be described, the base frame is elongated from front to rear and relatively narrow from side to side. The pantograph mechanism 12 consists of right and left pantograph linkages. The right pantograph linkage which is particularly illustrated in FIG. I will be described in detail; and, where necessary, references to corresponding parts of the left hand linkage will be identified by the same reference numbers with the subscript L. The left and right pantograph linkages may be spaced apart about one foot for example in a typicalapparatus.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 the base frame is made up essentially of left and right hand longitudinal tubular structural members and 21 and transverse frame members 22 and 23. Support wheels may consists of a pair of rear swivel wheels 24 and a single front swivel wheel 25.

Elements of the hydraulic system are supported near the rear of the base frame and include a hydraulic pump 28, an electric drive motor 29 for the pump, and a fluid reservoir 30. The frame tubular members 20 and 21 function as additional fluid reservoirs, with the reservoir 30 and the frame member 21 supplying the pump through conduits 31 and 31a respectively.

Further with regard to the hydraulic system, four footoperated hydraulic valves designate V, H, R and L as best seen in FIG. 8 are supported on a mounting plate 32; and these valves communicate with a common pressure manifold 33 and a common return manifold 34. The pressure manifold 33 is supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure from the pump 28 by means of conduit 35; and the return manifold 34 is communicated with the frame reservoir 21 by means of conduit 36.

The pantograph mechanism 11 consists of parallel left and right side pantograph linkages, the mechanism defining four rectangularly spaced support points at the base frame 10 and four rectangularly spaced support points at the top supporting the hammer frame mount 12. The right side of the pantograph linkage illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described; and where elements of the left side linkage are illustrated in the drawings, these will be indicated by the same reference numbers with the subscript L.

As best seen in FIG. 1 the right side pantograph linkage consists of two base links 40 and 41, two middle links 42 and 43 and two top links 44 and 45. The base links are pivotally connected to the base frame by means of base hinges or pivots 46 and 46L, best seen in FIG. 2, which define the rectangularly spaced sup port for the pantograph mechanism 11. The two middle links 42 and 43 are hinged together at their midpoint by the hinge 47; and the two top links are hinged together at a point adjacent their top ends by a hinge 48 which serves to couple the upper ends of the two linkages.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pantograph mechanism is extended and retracted by means of a single act ing hydraulic cylinder assembly 50 which is supported in upright position on the base frame 10 by means of the support bracket assembly 51. The extensible outer sleeve 52 of the cylinder assembly is coupled to the base links of the pantograph mechanism by means of arms 53 which are pivotally connected to both the outer cylinder and the base links. In FIG. 1 this outer sleeve is shown partially raised; and the pantograph mechanism is correspondingly partially extended. A hydraulic conduit 54 supplies pressurized fluid to the cylinder assembly from the appropriate control valve.

The hammer frame mount 12, best seen in FIG. 1, includes a lower bearing plate 57 supported at the top of the pantograph mechanism by four rectangularly spaced pivot links 58, and an upper bearing plate 59 supported by a suitable bearing 60 permitting rotation or indexing of the upper bearing plate. As will be described subsequently, it may be desirable to rotate the panel support frame 90 from the FIG. 1 position; and a suitable locking mechanism may be provided to lock the upper plate in two or more selected positions relative to the lower plate. In order to maintain the mount 12 centered and level relative to the pantograph mechanism, stabilizing rods 61 are rigidly connected to the bearing plate and extend downward from its center for sliding engagement with a suitable guide in the top hinge assembly 48. If desired, one or more of the pivot links 58 could be adjustable in length for the purpose of leveling the hammer frame mount 12 relative to the pantograph mechanism 11.

The upper plate 59 carries fixed spaced bearing blocks 62 for pivotally supporting a double acting hydraulic power cylinder assembly 63; and further supports a pair of track assemblies 64L and 64R for guiding and supporting trolley wheels as will be described. The hydraulic power cylinder is provided with trunnions, at its rod end, supported in the bearing blocks 62.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 4, the hammer frame 13 includes a base plate or tilt platform 67 carrying parallel support sleeves 68 at the front and rear edges thereof and parallel support sleeves 69 at the side edges thereof. A pair of bearing blocks 70, carried on the underside of the base plate adjacent the slide edges thereof, rotatably support left and right trolley wheels 71L and 71R confined within the respective tracks 64L and 64R. The base plate 67 also carries at its underside ears 72 defining a yoke pivot coupling for the free end of the pivot cylinder piston rod 65.

The trolley frame further includes a pair of longitudinal rails 73 which are 8 feet in length for example, and a plurality of transverse rails 74a through 74g which may be 4 feet in length for example, for the purpose of defining a frame for supporting a 4 X 8 feet panel, these rails being preferably in the form of tubular steel members. In the drawings the longitudinal rails are slidably retained in the front and rear sleeves 68, which are square tubes of suitable dimension, and are locked within the sleeves by means of suitable locking screws provided on the sleeves. The transverse rails 74 are provide with short transverse mounting sleeves 75 which are preferably square tubular sleeves of suitable dimension to receive the longitudinal sleeves 73. By means of the mounting sleeves 75 the transverse rails are mounted in selected position on the longitudinal rails, and locked in such selected positions by means of suitable locking screws on the mounting sleeves. The hammer assemblies are mounted on the transverse rails 74 as will be described subsequently.

It will be seen then that the frame made up of the base plate and the longitudinal and transverse rails 73 and 74 which define a supporting platform for a 4 X 8 feet panel is positioned in a horizontal plane in FIG. 1. It will further be seen that the long dimensional of this support frame is transverse to the long dimension of the apparatus frame in the illustrated rotational position of the base plate 67. As will be described subsequently it may be desirable to change this relationship so that the long dimension of the frame is aligned from front to rear of the apparatus; and this may be accomplished by mounting the longitudinal rails 73 in the side sleeves 69 rather than in the front and rear sleeves 68.

Now referring further to the tilt mechanism, it will be seen in FIG. 4 that the two track assemblies 64L and 64R are mounted on the plate 59 in parallel relation, with each track assembly being defined by a U-shaped rod anchored in an anchoring block and formed to provide opposed parallel rails disposed in vertical planes which support and confine the grooved trolley wheels 71L and 7lR for movement along the track assemblies. The track assemblies are inclined from a vertical plane, as best seen in FIG. I and 9. For stability, the tracks are connected by a brace 64a.

It will now be seen that the trolley wheels 71 and the pivot 72 define a 3-point support for the tilt platform 67. When the piston rod 65 for the power cylinder 63 is fully retracted, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the frame is maintained in the horizontal position. When the piston rod 65 is extended, the hammer frame is caused to move toward the right as viewed in FIGS. ll, 4 and 9; and since the trolley wheels move on a downward incline as defined by the track assemblies, the hammer frame is ,caused to tilt from a horizontal plane toward the front of the apparatus. FIG. 9 illustrates the extreme condition where the piston rod is fully extended and wherein the support points defined by the trolley wheels 71 and the ears 72 are now disposed in a vertical plane and, accordingly, the hammer frame is disposed in a vertical plane. By withdrawing the piston rod, the frame is tilted back towards the horizontal position. As will be explained subsequently, the frame may be stopped at any intermediate position or at any desired angle of inclination. With the described tilt mechanism, the hammer frame 13 is maintained centered over the base frame and pantograph mechanism in the horizontal position, and is moved laterally forward to the front of the apparatus in the vertical position to place the support panel in a plane forward of the apparatus base 10.

As best seen in FIG. I the hammer assemblies are inverted U-shaped assemblies consisting of a pair of parallel hammer units 16 and an interconnecting transverse housing 78. FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top view of a hammer assembly, with a portion of a cover removed, to show the nail magazine and associated components; FIG. 6 is a sectional view principally showing the feeding of the belted nails; and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a hammer unit 116. It will be seen that the hammer unit terminates at its upper end in a passage 79 which defines a nail chamber into which the nails are fed by the nail feed mechanism to be driven by the piston hammer of the hammer unit. As best seen in FIG. 5, the hammer assembly housing 78 provides back-toback nail magazine chambers 80 for accomodating a coil of belted nails 81. The nails are carried in a plastic belt having a U-shaped cross section, and may be packaged commercially in this form. As best seen in FIG. 5 the belted nails are fed along a track 82 toward the free end of the hammer unit housing, and are fed into the nail chamber defined by the passage 79, with the nail belt passing through the passage to be discharged from the assembly after the nails are driven as best seen in FIG. 6.

The nails are fed individually into the nail chamber by means of a nail dog 83 which is reciprocated through suitable linkage by the operating arm of an operating solenoid 84. A spring 85 acting on the solenoid linkage mechanism normally urges the dog 83 in a direction away from the nail chamber; and the solenoid index dog 86 carrying rollers 87 which bear against side-by-side nails adjacent to the nail passage, to prevent movement of the belt except when the belt is advanced by the nail dog 83. This index dog is spring biased to resiliently lock the nail belt against movement.

Best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 is a push button hammer activating switch 89 which projects upwardly beyond a supporting plane for a panel 90 to be nailed, and is therefore depressed by a panel in the nailing position as illustrated in FIG. 7. If this hammer activating switch is not closed, the hammer functions will not be performed as will be described subsequently.

Also associated with the housing 78 is a transverse conduit 91, for carrying wire conductors for the electrically operated components of the hammer assembly, and a sleeve 92 for supporting the hammer assembly (l4, 15) on a transverse rail 74d.

As best seen in FIG. 7, each hammer unit 16 includes a hammer cylinder 94 having a cylinder head 95 at its upper end, which defines the above mentioned nail passage 79, and having a cylinder base 96 at its lower end which includes a shifting operator valve for controlling the flow of air to the lower end of the hammer cylinder. A hammer 97 consists of a piston which reciprocates within the hammer cylinder 94 and an upward projecting driving pin which moves into the nail passage 79 to drive the nail into the panel. Also associated with the hammer unit is a reservoir 98 for compressed air which supplies air to components of the hammer unit which will now be described.

The supply of air from the reservoir to the lower end of the hammer cylinder 94 is controlled through axially shiftable spool valve 100 and passages I01 and 102. The spool valve includes upper and lower lands and a central annular groove which defines a transverse flow passage. This valve is normally urged to an upper position by a compression spring, as shown in FIG. 7, wherein the lower land blocks communication between passages 101 and 102. In this position of the valve, the lower end of the hammer cylinder 94 is vented to atmosphere through the valve spring chamber by means of passages I02, 103 and 104. This permits the hammer to be moved to the lower or nail driving position. The upper end of the hammer cylinder is also vented through the nail passage at all times, except when the hammer pin extends into the nail passage to drive the nail. The spool valve I00 is shifted downward against the force of the compression spring by means of air pressure through a solenoid actuated valve 105. This valve 105 is normally closed, and is opened when the solenoid is energized to permit the flow of air from the reservoir 98 through conduits I06 and 107 to act on the upper end of the spool valve 100 and shift the spool valve downward. In the down position of the valve, the vent passage 103 is blocked by the lower valve land, and the valve communicates the supply passages 101 and 102 so that pressurized air from the reservoir 98 urges the hammer 97 upward to drive the nail which is indexed within the nail passage 79. The function of energizing the solenoid valve 105, and counterpart valves for other hammer units, is done by a nail drive control which is to be described.

Following the nail driving stroke, the hammer 97 is returned to the nail driving position by a blast of air from air jet passages 110 in the cylinder head 95. As best shown in FIG. 7a, these air passages 110 are parallel to nail passage 79 opening into the cylinder 94, and opening to the hammer cylinder-chamber around a resilient hammer shock absorbing bumper 111. Pressurized air is supplied to the jet passages 110 through passages 112 and 113 in the cylinder head and through solenoid operated valve 114 and a conduit 115 which comunicates the valve with the reservoir 98. The solenoid valve 114 is normally closed, and is opened when the solenoid is energized through an appropriate control to be described. This control then returns or sets the hammer adjacent to the cylinder base 96 in position to drive the next nail.

Each hammer assembly is mounted on a transverse rail 74 by means of a suitable clamping mechanism not shown in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view of a panel 90 supported on the hammer frame 13 and illustrates, along with FIGS. 1 and 4, the arrangement of the several hammer assemblies relative to the transverse rail. In these figures seven transverse rails are indicated, being designated 74a through 74g from the right side to the left side of the apparatus as viewed in FIG. 1. The associated hammer assemblies are also identified with the subscripts a through g to identify the particular hammer assemblies with particular transverse rails. As seen in FIG. 3, wall studs which would underlie respective hammer assemblies in the installing position are identified by corresponding letters a through 3. The panel illustrated in FIG. 3 may be a 4 X 8 feet panel which is to be nailed to seven studs a through g on 16 inches centers, with four nails spaced on 16 inches centers to be driven into each stud. For locating a panel 90 relative to the hammer frame 13, appropriate locating tabs 116, as shown in FIG. 1, may be attached to the hammer assemblies or to the longitudinal or tranverse rails 73 and 74.

For supplying air to the several reservoirs 98 of the hammer units, the reservoirs for the two hammer units of a particular hammer assembly are interconnected by a conduit 117, with one end of the conduit extending beyond one of the hammer units and carrying a coupling 118. Through these couplings 118, the conduits 117 for the two hammer assemblies carried on a common transverse rail are joined to an air manifold member 119 which is supplied with compressed air from a suitable source through a conduit hose 120.

The controls for operating the above described apparatus are carried on the foot valve assembly 17 and the control panel frame 18, best seen in FIG. 8. It will be seen that the control panel frame is mounted on the base frame 10 and carries a handle 122 for manipulating the entire apparatus on a supporting surface.

The foot valve assembly 17 includes the previously described valve mounting plate 32 upon which are supported four foot operated valves R, L, V and H for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid as will be described. The four hydraulic valves preferably include reciprocating spools with foot operated plungers; and are each connected to the pressure manifold 33 and the return manifold 34 of the hydraulic system previously described. The plungers for each of the valves are spring biased to the upper position as shown in FIG. 8, and the valves are actuated by depressing the respective plungers.

The valves R and L control the flow of fluid to the hydraulic cylinder for the pantograph mechanism; the valve R being actuated to raise or extend the pantograph mechanism, and the valve L being actuated to lower the pantograph mechanism. The valve R is a single acting valve which, in the operate position, communicates the pressure manifold 33 with the conduit 54 and the cylinder assembly 50; and in the normal position this communication is broken. The valve L is also a single acting valve which, in the operate position, communicates the conduit 54 with the return manifold 34 through a conduit 125 connected between the valves R and L; and in the normal position of the valve L this communication is broken. Accordingly, to raise the pantograph mechanism the valve R is depressed and simultaneously the hydraulic pump is operated to supply fluid to the cylinder assembly 50; and when the desired height is reached the valve R is released. To lower the pantograph mechanism, the valve L is depressed to communicate the cylinder assembly with the return reservoir through conduits 125 and 154, whereby the pantograph mechanism lowers by gravity expelling fluid from the cylinder assembly.

The valves V and H are associated with the double acting hydraulic cylinder 63 for the tilt mechanism; both valves being three-way valves connected to respective ends of the cylinder. The valve V is a threeway valve which is communicated with one end of the cylinder 63 by means of a conduit 123 shown fragmentarily in FIGS. 1 and 8. This conduit is connected to the base link 40 of the pantograph mechanism; and, through interconnecting conduits 123a and 123b, the links 40, 42 and 44 define a continuous conduit which is connected to the cylinder 63 by means of conduit 123C at the upper end of the pantograph mechanism. Conduit 123C communicates with the end of the cylinder chamber to effect extension of the piston rod 65. In the normal position of the valve V, the conduit 123 is communicated with the return manifold 34 to permit retraction of the piston and piston rod 65. In the operate position of the valve V, the conduit 123 is communicated with the pressure manifold 33 to permit flow of pressurized fluid to the cylinder. When this valve is operated simultaneously with the hydraulic pump, pressurized fluid extends the piston and plunger to move the hammer frame from the horizontal position of FIG. 1 toward the vertical position of FIG. 9. When any desired angle of tilt is reached, the valve V is released and the platform will be maintained in that position subject to return flow of fluid.

Similarly the valve H communicates with the retract end of the hydraulic cylinder 63 through a conduit 124, with this conduit system including the pantograph link members 40L, 42L and 44L and the associated hose conduits 124a, 124b and 124C. The valve H is also a three-way valve which, in the normal position communicates the conduit 124 with the return manifold 34, and which in the operate position communicates the conduit 124 with the pressure manifold 33. When this valve is operated simultaneously with the hydraulic pump, pressurized fluid is supplied to the cylinder to retract the piston and plunger 65 and move the hammer platform to a selected position between the vertical position and the horizontal position.

Other controls for the apparatus are the push button switches S, F, D and M which are located on the control panel frame 18 as best seen in FIG. 8. The switch M is the operate switch for the hydraulic pump motor 29, energizing the motor to operate the pump 28 when depressed and deenergizing the motor when released. The switch S is the hammer reset switch which, when depressed, actuates the solenoid valves 114 for each of the hammer units 16 to direct a blast of air from the cylinder head jet passages 110 to move the respective hammers 97 to the cylinder base ends of the respective assemblies. The switch F is the nail feed switch which, when depressed, actuates the several nail feed solenoids 84 to advance the respective nail belts and position nails in the respective nail passages 79 in position to be driven. The switch D is the nail drive switch which, when depressed, actuates solenoid valves 105 to drive the hammers 97.

As mentioned above, each of the hammer units includes a hammer activating switch 89 which must be depressed by a panel 90 to permit operation of respective solenoids by the swtiches S, F and D. If the hammer activate switch is open for a particular hammer unit, the respective solenoids will not be energized and the respective functions of course will not be performed.

OPERATION The operation of the apparatus will now be briefly summarized, starting with the hammer platform in the horizontal position and with the pantograph mechanism in the lowermost position. First a panel 90 is placed on the hammer platform and appropriately located over the several hammer assemblies, depending on whether it is a full sized 4 X 8 feet panel or a smaller panel. The panel is then raised to the desired elevation by depressing the foot valve R and simultaneously op erating the pump motor switch M. Assuming the panel to be installed is on an inclined ceiling, the hammer frame is tilted from the horizontal by depressing the foot valve V and again simultaneously operating the motor switch M to effect tilting of the platform to the desired angle. After initial positioning it may be desired to make a final position adjustment of the apparatus by means of the handle 122, and some further elevation and tilting of the hammer frame may be necessary.

With the panel positioned against the ceiling rafters, the switch S is actuated to assure that all of the hammers 97 are in the nail driving position with their pins removed from the nailpassages 79. Next the feed switch F is actuated to effect the feeding of nails 81 into respective nail passages 79. Then the nail driving switch D is energized to effect driving of the hammers 97 to drive the nails.

Next the foot valve H is depressed to effect tilting of the hammer frame back to the horizontal position; and the foot valve L is depressed to effect the bleeding of hydraulic fluid from the pantograph cylinder 52 permitting the hammer platform to lower again to the loading position.

If the apparatus is being used to mount wall panels; the hammer frame may be maintained in, or substan tially in, the vertical position of FIG. 9 and raised or lowered as necessary to secure the panels to the wall studs.

In the figures, the hammer frame is positioned with its long dimension transverse to the long dimension of the apparatus frame. This is the normal position of use,

so that when the panels are applied to a vertical wall or an inclined ceiling, the panel platform is tilted toward the front of the apparatus so that the apparatus can be positioned from the rear by means of the handle 122 to finally locate the panel in position for nailing. In this position of the hammer frame, a 4 X 8 feet panel for example will be placed with its long dimension transverse to the studs on a vertical wall or transverse to the rafters on an inclined ceiling.

Where it is desired to use the apparatus in a relatively narrow hallway, the tilt platform 59 of the frame mount 12 may be rotated degrees and locked to position the long dimension of the hammer frame parallel with the long dimension of the apparatus frame and whereby the frame will be tilted toward the side of the apparatus. For the mounting of wall panels with the long dimension parallel to the wall studs, the hammer frame is assembled with the longitudinal rails 73 supported in the side sleeves 69 of the tilt platform 67.

PORTABLE SCAFFOLD EMBODIMENT FIG. 10 of the drawing illustratrates an alternative form of apparatus according to the invention which is a self-elevating and lowering portable scaffold. This apparatus includes a base frame, a pantograph mechanism, and hydraulic raising and lowering apparatus for the pantograph mechanism, all of which are generally similar to that for the apparatus previously described, and a different form of support platform. Referring to the drawing, the base frame may include parallel tubular members 131 which are hollow and function as a hydraulic reservoir, and carries floor engaging caster wheels 132. A pantograph mechanism 135 is secured to the base frame at pivots 136 and includes base links 140 and 141, middle links 142 and 143, and upper links 144 and 145. The pantograph mechanism is elevated by means of a hydraulic power cylinder assembly similar to that previously described, supported on bracket 151 suspended from the base frame 130. Arms 152 couple the base links to the cylinder assembly.

The hydraulic apparatus carried on the frame includes a hydraulic pump driven by electric motor 161 and supplied with fluid from a reservoir 162 and/or frame members 131 through a conduit 163. Pressurized fluid is supplied from the pump to the power cylinder through pressure conduit 164; and fluid is returned from the cylinder to the reservoir through a solenoid actuated valve 165 and return conduit 166.

An elevator platform is carried at the top of the pantograph by adjustable linkages 171; and is stabilized by stabilizer pins 172 coacting with the upper pantograph hinges in the manner previously described. The elevator platform 170 includes a pair of sleeves 173 for supporting a removable support platform 180. The support platform includes a platform base 181, upright posts 182 and braces 183 supporting a guard rail 184, and bracket assembly 185 for coupling the support platform to the elevator platform. The bracket assembly 185 includes members carrying bores aligned with the bore of the elevator platform sleeves 173, so that these members may be secured in alignment by a suitable pin 186 and locking key 187. The support platform then is demountable for transporting the appara- 11.15.

For operating the portable scaffold, push button switches 168 and 169 are mounted on platform posts for convenient operation by the user. In operation the push button switch 168 may be depressed to energize the pump motor 161 thereby supplying pressure fluid through conduit 164 to the power cylinder 150 through an associated check valve. When the switch is released, the check valve will maintain the cylinder extended and the platform at the desired level. For lowering the platform, the push button switch 169 may be depressed to energize and open solenoid valve 165 to efiect return of fluid from the power cylinder to the reservoir, whereby the support platform will lower at a controlled rate under its own weight.

lf desired suitable brake devices may be provided for the wheels 132.

What has been described is a portable platform and panel installing apparatus which is very convenient to use, and very effective for the installing of panels either on vertical walls, or on horizontal or inclined ceilings.

A feature of the apparatus is that it is readily assembled and disassembled to provide for convenience in transporting the apparatus from one job location to another and also to permit movement of the apparatus into and out of buildings through doors of conventional size.

Another feature of the apparatus is that it is readily adaptable to permit use in relatively confined spaces such as narrow hallways; and to permit installation of wall panels for example either horizontally transverse to the studs, or vertically with the long dimension of the panels parallel with the wall studs.

Another feature of the apparatus is the ready adjustability of the several hammer assemblies to accommodate different spacings of wall studs or ceiling beams, and to accommodate panels of different size.

A particular feature of the apparatus is the tiltability of the panel support platform to enable positioning the panel against the beams of an inclined ceiling of any inclination, and to readily shift between mounting panels on a vertical wall and on a ceiling. A unique tilt mechanism coacting with the pantograph mechanism enables the panel support platform to be centered over the base frame in the horizontal position, and to move laterally to the vertical position to clear the base frame.

Another feature of the invention is the provision for hydraulic control for readily positioning the panel or other support platform at the desired elevation and at the desired angle of inclination.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Particularly, while foot operated hydraulic valves V, H, R and L have been described for the apparatus of FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that any suitable types of hydraulic valves may be employed, and that these valves may be manually operable valves mounted on the control panel frame 18, for example, or they may be solenoid operated valves remotely controlled by means of additional switches mounted on the control panel frame 18. Additionally, while the power systems for the pantograph mechanism and for the tilt mechanism are shown and described as hydraulic power systems, it will be appreciated that the described apparatus could function with pneumatic power systems and associated controls.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for nailing panels to a wall or ceiling structure a support platform for a panel, adapted to be mounted on a positioning apparatus; said support platform comprising a frame mount having means for coupling to a positioning apparatus, a plurality of parallel rails mounted on said frame mount; and a plurality of hammer units mounted on said rails for defining a panel supporting plane and for driving nails at selected positions through a panel supported on said support platform;

each hammer unit comprising an elongated small diameter cylinder housing disposed transverse to the panel supporting plane and defining the lateral extremity of the hammer unit on at least one side; each hammer unit further comprising a nail passage disposed at one end of said cylinder housing in axial alignment therewith, a nail magazine and feeding means for feeding nails successively into said nail chamber, a hammer piston disposed in said cylinder housing for reciprocating movement and including an axially projecting pin for engaging and driving nails in said nail chamber, an air reservoir and means for communicating said reservoir with a source of compressed air, valve means for selectively communicating said cylinder housing with said reservoir to effect drive of the hammer piston, solenoid operated means for controlling said valve means, and solenoid operated means for actuating said nail feed means;

and said valve solenoid means for said plurality of hammer units, and said nail feed solenoid means for said plurality of hammer units, being adapted for connection to respective common operator switches for simultaneous control of individual hammer unit functions from a remote switch location.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support platform rails comprise a pair of parallel longitudinal rails mounted on said frame mount, and a plurality of transverse rails adjustably mounted parallel to each other on said pair of longitudinal rails, and said hammer units being mounted on said transverse rails.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 said valve means comprising a two position valve for communicating said reservoir with the hammer driving end of said cylinder housing, said two position ualve being biased to a first position to close communication with said reservoir and to open a vent passage from said cylinder housing to atmosphere, and said valve being movable to a second position to close said vent passage and open communication between said reservoir and cylinder housing to drive said hammer pin into said nail passage.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 including a second two position valve for communicating the hammer return end of said cylinder housing with said reservoir; said second valve being biased to close such communication and being openable to direct air to said chamber to effect the return of said piston and hammer pin; and solenoid operated means for selectively opening said second valve.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 said nail magazine and feeding means comprising a chamber for a supply of prepackaged belted nails, means for guiding said belted nails into said nail passage, and solenoid operated dog means for successively advancing said nail belt to position successive nails in said nails passage in response to each actuationof the solenoid.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 control means for said hammer units comprising operator switches adapted to be mounted remotely; said operator switches including a first switch for effecting energization of said nail feed solenoid means and a second switch for effecting energization of said valve solenoid means.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 control means for said hammer units comprising operator switches adapted to be mounted remotely; said operator switches including a first switch for effecting energization of said hammer return valve solenoid means, a second switch for effecting energization of said nail feed solenoid means, and a third switch for effecting energization of said hammer drive valve solenoid means.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 each hammer unit including an activating switch positioned to be actuated by a panel supported thereon; said actuating switch, when actuated by a supported panel, functioning to effect energization of associated solenoid operated means.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 said hammer units being mountable on said rails relative to a supported panel to drive nails through said panel adjacent to the edges thereof; and said hammer units being configured to enable the positioning of said support frame and panel against a wall or ceiling structure immediately adjacent to an intersecting wall or ceiling structure.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 said hammer units including edge guide means for precisely locating a panel relative to said support frame and hammer units.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 elevator apparatus including a base, an extension mechanism mounted on said base extendible upward from said base, an elevator platform maintained by said extension mechanism in generally parallel relation with said base, and means for effecting extension and retraction of said extension mechanism; i

a tilt platform mounted on said elevator platform for movement between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane;

and means coupling said support platform to said tilt platform.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 a tilt mechanism coupling said tilt platform to said elevator platform, including inclined elongated track means mounted on said elevator platform, trolley wheel means mounted on said tilt platform for rolling engagement with said track means; and power cylinder means connected between said elevator platform and said tilt platform for effecting traversal of said tilt platform trolley wheel means along said elevator platform track means.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 said tilt mechanism power cylinder means comprising a double acting power cylinder; control means for said tilt power cylinder including valve means mounted on said base for alternatively communicating the opposite ends of said tilt power cylinder with said reservoir.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 said track means comprising a pair of elongated parallel tracks inclined relative to the horizontal plane of said elevator platform; said tilt platform carrying a pair of trolley wheels for engagement with the respective tracks; said two track-wheel assemblies and said power cylinder defining a three-point support of said tilt platform relative to said elevator platform, for maintaining said tilt platform parallel to said elevator platform when the trolley wheels are at one track extremity, and for tilting said tilt platform relative to said elevator platform when said trolley wheels are moved toward the other track extremity. 

1. In apparatus for nailing panels to a wall or ceiling structure a support platform for a panel, adapted to be mounted on a positioning apparatus; said support platform comprising a frame mount having means for coupling to a positioning apparatus, a plurality of parallel rails mounted on said frame mount; and a plurality of hammer units mounted on said rails for defining a panel supporting plane and for driving nails at selected positions through a panel supported on said support platform; each hammer unit comprising an elongated small diameter cylinder housing disposed transverse to the panel supporting plane and defining the lateral extremity of the hammer unit on at least one side; each hammer unit further comprising a nail passage disposed at one end of said cylinder housing in axial alignment therewith, a nail magazine and feeding means for feeding nails successively into said nail chamber, a hammer piston disposed in said cylinder housing for reciprocating movement and including an axially projecting pin for engaging and driving nails in said nail chamber, an air reservoir and means for communicating said reservoir with a source of compressed air, valve means for selectively communicating said cylinder housing with said reservoir to effect drive of the hammer piston, solenoid operated means for controlling said valve means, and solenoid operated means for actuating said nail feed means; and said valve solenoid means for said plurality of hammer units, and said nail feed solenoid means for said plurality of hammer units, being adapted for connection to respective common operator switches for simultaneous control of individual hammer unit functions from a remote switch location.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support platform rails comprise a pair of parallel longitudinal rails mounted on said frame mount, and a plurality of transverse rails adjustably mounted parallel to each other on said pair of longitudinal rails, and said hammer units being mounted on said transverse rails.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 said valve means comprising a two position valve for communicating said reservoir with the hammer driving end of said cylinder housing, said two position valve being biased to a first position to close communication with said reservoir and to open a vent passage from said cylinder housing to atmosphere, and said valve being movable to a second position to close said vent passage and open communication between said reservoir and cylinder housing to drive said hammer pin into said nail passage.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 including a second two position valve for communicating the hammer return end of said cylinder housing with said reservoir; said second valve being biased to close such communication and being openable to direct air to said chamber to effect the return of said piston and hammer pin; and solenoid operated means for selectively opening said second valve.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 said nail magazine and feeding means comprising a chamber for a supply of prepackaged belted nails, means for guiding said belted nails into said nail passage, and solenoid operated dog means for successively advancing said nail belt to position successive nails in said nails passage in response to each actuation of the solenoid.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 control means for said hammer units comprising operator switches adapted to be mounted remotely; said operator switches including a first switch for effecting energization of said nail feed solenoid means and a second switch for effecting energization of said valve solenoid means.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 control means for said hammer units comprising operator switches adapted to be mounted remotely; said operator switches including a first switch for effecting energization of said hammer return valve solenoid means, a second switch for effecting energization of said nail feed solenoid means, and a third switch for effecting energization of said hammer drive valve solenoid means.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 each hammer unit including an activating switch positioned to be actuated by a panel supported thereon; said actuating switch, when actuated by a supported panel, functioning to effect energization of associated solenoid operated means.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 said hammer units being mountable on said rails relative to a supported panel to drive nails through said panel adjacent to the edges thereof; and said hammer units being configured to enable the positioning of said support frame and panel against a Wall or ceiling structure immediately adjacent to an intersecting wall or ceiling structure.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 said hammer units including edge guide means for precisely locating a panel relative to said support frame and hammer units.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 elevator apparatus including a base, an extension mechanism mounted on said base extendible upward from said base, an elevator platform maintained by said extension mechanism in generally parallel relation with said base, and means for effecting extension and retraction of said extension mechanism; a tilt platform mounted on said elevator platform for movement between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane; and means coupling said support platform to said tilt platform.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 a tilt mechanism coupling said tilt platform to said elevator platform, including inclined elongated track means mounted on said elevator platform, trolley wheel means mounted on said tilt platform for rolling engagement with said track means; and power cylinder means connected between said elevator platform and said tilt platform for effecting traversal of said tilt platform trolley wheel means along said elevator platform track means.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 said tilt mechanism power cylinder means comprising a double acting power cylinder; control means for said tilt power cylinder including valve means mounted on said base for alternatively communicating the opposite ends of said tilt power cylinder with said reservoir.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 said track means comprising a pair of elongated parallel tracks inclined relative to the horizontal plane of said elevator platform; said tilt platform carrying a pair of trolley wheels for engagement with the respective tracks; said two track-wheel assemblies and said power cylinder defining a three-point support of said tilt platform relative to said elevator platform, for maintaining said tilt platform parallel to said elevator platform when the trolley wheels are at one track extremity, and for tilting said tilt platform relative to said elevator platform when said trolley wheels are moved toward the other track extremity. 